The Springboard Grants, part of the Going Global Partnerships, are designed to foster new or strengthen existing research collaborations between the UK and France, Germany, or Spain. These grants aim to support early-career researchers through mobility and collaborative activities.

About the Springboard Grants

These grants support collaborations between research teams, with a focus on early-career researchers. The primary goal is to facilitate the submission of joint grant applications, particularly under Horizon Europe, and to produce collaborative publications. Priority will be given to projects aligned with Horizon Europe thematic areas.

The grants cover a compulsory springboard meeting for up to ten team members from the UK and partner countries. This meeting aims to initiate or reinforce collaboration, exchange ideas, and define priorities for launching a joint project. Additionally, the grant offers optional online communication skills training for early-career researchers.

Furthermore, the grants support research placements in the partner's lab for participating PhD students and postdoctoral researchers. This mobility aspect is crucial for fostering deeper collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Funding Details and Eligible Activities

The grant amount is up to £10,000. These funds are intended to support activities that directly contribute to the development of joint research proposals or collaborative publications. Activities must start from 1 January 2026.

Eligible activities include the springboard meeting, research placements, and potentially other collaborative activities that align with the grant's objectives. The focus is on supporting mobility and collaboration to enhance research outcomes.

The grant also covers optional online communication skills training for early-career researchers involved in the project. This training aims to improve communication and collaboration within the research teams.

Eligibility Criteria

The grants are open to research teams at higher education institutions and not-for-profit research institutions. Applications must be joint, involving researchers from the UK and either France, Germany, or Spain.

Each application can include up to ten participants, with a minimum of six early-career researchers. This requirement emphasizes the grant's focus on supporting the development of early-career researchers.

Applications must be submitted via the online grant platform, and the UK lead institution must initiate and submit the application. Applications submitted by non-UK institutions will be deemed ineligible.

• Open to higher education institutions

• Open to not-for-profit research institutions

Application Process and Key Dates

To apply, you must use the online application form available on the grant platform. Registration on the platform is required to access the 'Going Global Partnership - EU Springboard' form.

The application deadline is 30 September 2025, 17.00 CET. It is crucial to adhere to this deadline, as late submissions will not be considered.

Ensure that the UK lead institution starts and submits the application. Any application submitted by a non-UK institution will be ineligible.

Horizon Europe Thematic Areas

Priority will be given to projects aligned with the Horizon Europe thematic areas. These areas represent key challenges and opportunities for research and innovation in Europe.

The thematic areas include: Health, Culture, creativity and inclusive society, Civil security for society, Digital, industry and space, Climate energy and mobility, Food, bio-economy, natural resources, agriculture and environment. Aligning your project with one of these areas will increase its chances of success.

Consider how your research can contribute to addressing these challenges and advancing knowledge in these critical areas. A clear alignment with Horizon Europe's priorities is essential.